Gov. DeWine names interim attorney general

OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, on Monday appointed Andy Wilson as the interim Ohio attorney general following the resignation of current Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Wilson is a graduate of Wright State University, University of Dayton school of law, served in Ohio National Guard and more. In Ohio, he was appointed in 2022 as the director of public safety. Prior to that position, he was assigned to the Pike County Prosecutor’s Office in 2020, and in 2019, he served as DeWine’s senior adviser for criminal justice.

As director of public safety, Wilson oversees the public safety’s nine divisions, nearly 4,000 employees and $2.5 billion biannual budget.

“Governor, I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity,” Wilson said, adding that he has enjoyed serving Ohioans in his prior roles. “I look forward to continuing that service at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.”

Wilson will serve in the position for the next seven months to finish out Yost’s term.

“I know from experience how important the office of the Ohio Attorney General is,” said DeWine, who served as Ohio attorney general from 2011-2019.  “I have great confidence that Andy Wilson will do a great job as the attorney general for the state of Ohio.”

Yost’s resignation marks 25 years in state government. It will take effect June 7.

Yost has been Ohio’s attorney general since 2019 after winning the seat in 2018. Before then, he served as auditor.

He won his reelection bid for attorney general in 2022, serving two straight terms.

“Governor DeWine’s appointment of Andy Wilson is a wise selection to ensure that the mission of the office and the great progress we’ve made in the past seven-plus years remains in steady hands,” Yost said in a statement. “As a former county prosecuting attorney, Andy understands law enforcement and the Attorney General’s Office. As director of the Department of Public Safety, our offices have frequently collaborated to keep Ohioans safe. Congratulations to Andy and his family – I wish him the best.”

In 2025, Yost tried his bid at the Ohio governor race, but dropped out after Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate facing off against Democrat Amy Acton in November, joined the race.

Currently, Democrat John Kulewicz and Republican Keith Faber are facing off for the attorney general seat in November.

Kulewicz beat Democrat Elliot Forehan for the nomination in Tuesday’s primary election with 62% of the vote. Faber ran unopposed.